State lawyers 'don't mean to convey a lack of sympathy' in Marie Fleming case

Lawyers for the State have told the Supreme Court that it doesn't mean to convey a lack of sympathy to right-to-die campaigner, Marie Fleming.

Seven Judges are hearing the MS sufferer's challenge to Ireland's ban on assisted suicide.

The State has begun explaining its opposition to the case, telling the Vourt the decriminalisation of suicide does not automatically confer a 'right' to suicide.

Barrister Michael Cush said the State understood Ms Fleming's difficult personal circumstances, but said suicide was a serious social problem in Ireland.